News, commentary, and insights on adventures, and adventurers, from around the globe.

Thursday, February 02, 2017

The 40 Most Iconic Places on the Planet According to Outside

In 2017, Outside magazine celebrates its 40th anniversary, and to celebrate it has put together a series of lists that will look back on its history and forward to a changing environment and culture around us. The first of those lists has now gone online, and as you would expect, it is definitely an interest one. To get things started, the editors at Outside have put together their picks for the Most Iconic Places on the Planet.

To earn a spot on the list these places must be "significant, beautiful, and terrifying destinations that loom large in our imaginations." Once you get a look at the list, I'm sure you'll agree that the places that made the cut fit that description. For instance, the mountain bikers will appreciate the inclusion of the Slick Rock Trail in Moab, Utah, while surfers will find that Maverick's has made the list as well. These two spots wouldn't make the average person's list most likely, as many would not have even heard of them. But for the Outside crowd, the certainly loom large.

Other destinations that have captured the hearts and minds of outdoor enthusiasts, would-be adventurers, and explorers include Chris McCandless' bus in Alaska, Heartbreak Hill from the Boston Marathon, and Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley, which holds a special place for multiple generations of climbers.

I won't spoil the entire list. In fact, the ones that I've mentioned are some of the first that you'll find as you begin to scroll through the webpage. But needless to say, this is a great read that will bring back fond memories, inspire future adventures, and leave you plotting an escape to visit these destinations for yourself. This is a list that lives up to its name, and it is as diverse and varied as you can imagine.

Grab yourself a beverage and a snack, get comfortable in your chair, and sit back and savor this one. It is well worth a read. I've been lucky enough to visit a few of these spots, but I have my work cut out for me to see them all. Check out the full list here, and then start thinking about what Outside has planned for its next list as well.